Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven milesfrom Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?” He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

Reflection on Pier Giorgio from a testimony by Carlo Florio

I asked him how one could manage to enter certain houses cheerfully where the first welcome was a nauseating smell. How do you manage to overcome your repulsion? He answered me, “Don’t ever forget that even though the house is sordid, you are approaching Christ. Remember what the Lord said, ‘The good you do to the poor is good done to me.’” And he continued, “Around the sick, the poor, and the unfortunate, I see a particular light, a light that we do not have.”

PLet us pray

A O Risen Jesus, you made Pier Giorgio shine with the virtue of charity. Help us to see in our suffering brothers and sisters the light of your resurrection and to remember your great love for the poor and less fortunate. Give us a greater understanding of Your Truth so that we may impart it to others. Amen.